The Bucks got a big win Wednesday night over the Denver Nuggets.  The Nuggets were likely a little worn down as this game was the second night of a back-back and the final game of a six game road trip.  That being said, this was a good win for the Bucks.  Denver is a good team, a playoff team, a true contender in the West and the Bucks controlled the game for the entire second half.  The Bucks never trailed in the second half, the Nuggets made a couple of pushes and cut the lead to one point late, but the Bucks responded.

This win was more impressive than if the Bucks would have blown out the Nuggets.  Considering the road trip the Nuggets have been on and the fact this was the last game of the trip, not many people would have been surprised if they just conceded defeat when they went down double digits in the third quarter.  Nobody in the league wants to admit that, but teams mail it in at certain times when they are worn down and realize it is not their night.  The fact that the Nuggets came back after it and the Bucks were able to hold them off says a lot.

How the Bucks Won

Rebounding

The Bucks outrebounded the Nuggets 46-37, with a slight disadvantage in offensive rebounds.  The offensive rebounds can be a little misleading when you add in the fact the Nuggets missed nine more shots than the Bucks. 

Defense

The Nuggets may have been tired, but to hold that offense to under 40% shooting is an accomplishment.  Free throws kept the Nuggets in the game.  The combo of Mbah ah Moute and Warrick did give Carmelo some problems.

Efficient Offense

The Bucks shot a very good 48.8%, inlcuding 40% from three and 88% from the line.  Great shooting night, but many of these shots were created due to good ball and player movement.  The Bucks hit their open shots, it was that simple. 

The turnovers were a little high at 18, but 12 of those were on steals which speaks to the style of defense Denver plays moreso than the Bucks being careless with the ball.  Denver overplays passes to the wing and the Bucks struggled a little with that.  There will be some adjustments needed when the teams meet in Denver.

Sharing the Ball

The Bucks had 20 assists on their 40 made field goals.  That is a number to be happy with.

Team Win

Bogut, Jennings, Ersan, and Mbah ah Moute were the standouts, but everybody save Ukic had a positive impact.  Meeks had a tough shooting night, but shooters coming off the bench will have nights like that.  Keep shooting.

All of those played into the win.  The Bucks are becoming better and better at defense and rebounding.  Add in the ability to score from Bogut and Jennings and this team really can have a shot at the playoffs.  It is still early, but defense and rebounding win in this league and if Bogut stays healthy both of those areas will continue to be good.